Last night I threw myself a pity party and no one attended. I was feeling alone and abused due to an issue I have. I won’t go into details about the precise issue…we all have them. I couldn’t sleep so I cried all night. This morning I finally remembered to pray and the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart that I didn’t have to feel the way I did; that I could have gone into God’s Word and prayed for peace. He reminded me that I wasn’t really ever alone and that I need to behave like a child of God.

Why did I not pick up God’s Word and seek Him? I did sort of pray but it felt like my prayers were hitting the ceiling and my prayers were all about feeling abused how others were blaming me for something I didn’t do. I should have prayed in the Spirit since God says that doing so will edify me. I don’t know why I didn’t seek Jesus in the Word of God but hopefully I will never again fail to do so.

As I spent time in the Word this morning and prayed in the Spirit I realized that I need to behave like a Christian and allow others to think and feel what they think and feel. I can’t change the mind of others. I can only control and change my own behavior. So I am calm and joyful today because of the Word of God and because I listened to the Spirit and was obedient. By the grace of God, I will never throw myself another pity party.

I stood barefoot on the fiery bed of coals. I peered downward, waving the smoke away from my sizzling feet and saw huge, red, oozing blisters. I trudged on. Just as I was about to step into a meadow of cool, dewy, green grass I woke up with a start.

With clenched, aching jaws, drenched in sweat and tears, I sat up in the bed. If only the dream had lasted long enough for me to feel the cooling moisture of that meadow. However, there would be no more sleep that night and I wondered how I would live with this agony for the rest of my life.

Coping with Diabetes had always been a challenge, but this was far beyond anything I could have prepared for. I was on a low sugar, low fat diet and exercised every day. With God’s help, I had succeeded in controlling the blood sugar levels but nothing relieved the fierce, burning pain caused by the dying nerves in my feet. The damage had already been done. My heart was broken and I couldn’t believe God wanted me to live this way.

I called on my Pastor who also lives with chronic pain. Together, we called upon God. As my Pastor prayed for me, I was aware of His power and presence. His Holy Spirit filled me and I knew I was to simply keep trusting in Him. He would give me grace for each day if I would walk in faith. So, it truly was a matter of grace.

Later that morning I sat down to read my Bible. “And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as great drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22: 44) Those words reminded me of the anguish my Lord suffered at Calvary. As I continued to read, His words were like a cool, dewy meadow to my soul. I am a Child of God and He is able. When I reach Heaven, there will be no more pain. Until then, I will rest in the palm of His hand.

Leaning back in my chair I look up and see a beautiful bird struggling to fly southward against the strong, gusty winds blowing across the lake. It has kept up the hopeless pursuit for hours as it makes longer and wider circles to build speed. Turning again to face the wind, it hangs as if suspended from the heavens, wings flapping in vain. I watch as it returns to the tree on the bank where another bird sits watching the great effort.

The birds sit with their heads close together as if planning their strategy against the blustery weather. Soon they both take to the air. Soaring northward, the wind is under their wings and they glide effortlessly. Circling, they face the strong currents. Unable to make any headway, they return to the tree discouraged but not defeated. I sit until evening. The intense winds have turned into gentle breezes and the birds victoriously wing their way to whatever southbound destination they are so determined to reach.

Standing beside the lake where the water kisses the shore, I search the horizon for one last glimpse of the birds. In spite of the windstorm, they are gone. I bow my head thinking of the storms in my own life that do more than ruffle my feathers. Just as He did for the birds, God makes a way through for me. I toss a pebble into the lake water, then lift my hands toward Heaven and praise The Lord. He gives power to rise above whatever life may bring against me when I set my mind and belief upon Him.

I return to my lounge chair on the shore, fluff my pillow behind my back and relax. Gentle breezes like the breath of God caress my face and whisper in my ear. I thank Him that the storms that bring sickness, failure, tragedy and disappointment do not have to overcome. He lifts me and I move forward even stronger than before.

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall walk and not be weary, they shall run and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

The Holy Spirit lives inside you if you are a born-again Christian and if we listen, He will guide us into all truth: “When, however, the Spirit comes, who reveals the truth about God, he will lead you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own authority, but he will speak of what he hears and will tell you of things to come. (John 16:13)

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)

I look the part, blend in with the rest of the Church crowd
I know the routine, like a list of the bible studies
In town, watch christian TV
I know all the preachers, their cliches
Been born again
Without a doubt I know I am saved

But sometimes I hurt, sometimes I cry
Sometimes I can’t get it right
No matter how hard I seem to try;
Sometimes I fall down
Stumble over my own disguise
I try to look strong as the whole world looks on
But sometimes alone I cry

I try to speak faith
Never give the devil one inch to get in
I do worship and praise
Let everybody know just
Where that I stand
On the back of my ride
Is a fish and a cross
For the world to see

I know God is good all the time
Yes,there is no doubt for me
Sometimes I fall down
Stumble over my own disguise
I try to look strong
As the whole world looks on
But sometimes alone I cry

I try to look strong
As the whole world looks on
But sometimes alone I cry

Signed 1928 Ruby Red Necklace Ruby Red Signed 1928 Necklace Great for Christmas!. 18-inch chain and pendant is approximately 2 x 1-1/2 inches. Beads and pendant are all faceted and very good quality as is usual for 1928 jewelry. AB Crystal beads accent the pendant. 1928 Jewelry Necklaces

1960s Native American Bead Thunderbird Necklace This is a Mid-century souvenir Native American necklace . The necklace was made on a loom from glass seed beads. The decoration is a Thunderbird design with other Native American symbols in beautiful colors. 30-inches long and 2-inch tassel. These necklaces were made by Native Americans for tourists. The necklace is made narrow around the neck and wider at bottom with tassels at bottom. It is in fair vintage condition. It does have some loose stitches but is still amazing. Native American Jewelry Necklaces